City Updates On Pier 6 Renovation Project
The City of Hamilton provided a progress update on the Pier 6 renovation project, saying that “most of the base work has been completed, with all the old building materials and fixtures having been removed.”
A spokesperson said, “Last summer the City launched a massive renovation effort of the former No. 6 Shed with a host of major improvements aimed at turning the rental space into the City’s premier waterfront event venue.
“The City worked with local architects to develop a plan for the building that would take advantage of the structure’s unique attributes and exceptional location while also addressing the challenges of the building.
“The renovated, fully air-conditioned building will include a bar area and a catering kitchen. The venue’s interior will spill out through generous double doors onto a grand patio – the ideal spot for waterside dining and dancing under the stars.
“To date, most of the base work has been completed, with all the old building materials and fixtures having been removed.”
“This structure is over 100 years old,” explained City Engineer Patrick Cooper. “With buildings that old, you continually find issue after issue as you peel back the layers of previous renovations, as we have found with Pier 6.
“What we want to ensure at this point is that we take it back to its bare bones, so that what we are left with is a solid structure which will last for years with minimal upkeep required.”
“New electrical conduits have been installed in the building’s walls, as well as the majority of the site’s plumbing materials. The shell for the bathroom spaces has also been completed,” the City said.
“Contractors have recut and shaped all of the window openings on the water side which are being changed to full length windows in order to take full advantage of the harborside view.”
Mr. Cooper explained some the challenges that workers have overcome so far: “Above every window and doorway is a support lintel which is essentially a concrete structure with a steel rod inside.
“What we found when we were renovating is that most of the rods had rusted over time and blown out the surrounding concrete. The contractors have had to chip out the old rebar and replace with new rods, which was something we hadn’t initially anticipated.”
“Another unexpected renovation issue which workers discovered was significant termite infestation and consequent damage in the building’s roof.
“It wasn’t until we ripped down the ceiling that we realized how serious the termite issue was,” said Mr. Cooper. “The wooden ceiling beams have been removed and will be replaced with modern steel beams.”
A spokesperson added, “The roof will be completely removed in the next few weeks with a new one being installed by the middle of June. Other works still to be completed include plastering the building’s interior, tiling the floors, completing all electrical work, installing the fixtures, and putting in the bathrooms and kitchen.
“Gorham’s Management & Design are project managing the renovation, following the City’s usual tender process.
“The Front Street building has long been used as a cruise ship terminal, however about ten years ago the City moved the terminal to the lower floor and began to rent the top floor as a space for events.”
“This versatile waterfront venue has been purposely engineered to be easily transformed into whatever you want it to be,” Mr. Cooper said, “With its sleek, modern design and subtle industrial charm, Pier 6 will be the ideal location for conferences, dinner parties, charity functions and private events.’
The City said the expected completion date is Fall 2022.
